03 December 2007

STS (Simple Tips to Save) Energy

Saving is a value and a choice practiced by creative mature persons. From observation, conservationists or savers started with practical copes to material or economic hurdles. Some learn to save at a young age based on what their society highly appreciates. There are also Peter Pan characters and ignoramuses (even from the underprivileged to middle class) that waste resources including time.

Recent developments in health related to disease control and rapid growth of human populations as well as the survival of earth and its nature communities— have brought to the fore the relevance of conservation. So I thought of STS.

Simple here connotes low technology, hand-down knowledge, 'from experience' practicality (of a group/groups) or common sense applications. (New and considered high-end technology may be mentioned but just in passing.)

In some parts of the world there is no power to light up homes or to run machines. Brownouts in provincial Philippines are ordinary that people retain appreciation for stars and fireflies. Power then is one of the resources I nag my children about to value and not to waste just because energy flows incessantly in America. Here goes-- the initial STS energy anywhere we are.

Lights, electric fans, televisions, radios, or game consoles must be switched off every time one goes out of a room or the house for more than twenty minutes. Unplug TV or
entertainment systems if out of the house for a day or more. (These vampire power appliances are passive energy consumers even when "off" but are plugged in.) Air-conditioners can be timed to shut-off two or three hours before waking time, as the room will still be cold within this duration. If people are still up and about during summer nights, open windows to let in cool night air into the house. And allow early morning air and sunlight into a room to cool and refresh area.

Do not leave refrigerator's door open needlessly as this permits escape of cold air and keeps machine running double-time. When cleaning the fridge, turn it off and unplug. Allocate three to four hours before clearing out things from the fridge, as foods and beverages can remain cold and frozen awhile. With the clean fridge, plug it and turn it on, and do not open fridge for at least two hours. This speeds cold air circulation or even temperature inside the fridge. Then place inside foods, fruits, or vegetables that are already washed and dried out. This is hygienic and saves time and money too.

Ironing everyday increases power cost particularly when there are more than two people in the household. Do ironing in a straight lump like, once a week schedule.
This also saves time since needed clothes for the week are prepared already. Besides, there's less worry if anyone overlook to unplug the iron.

Heated water utilizes electricity. Avail of cold water when washing dishes during summertime. Use hot water only when required as in oily dishes or with food color. If hard food sticks to dishes or wares, soak in hot water with a few drops of soap for an hour or more. (Avoid burning foods when cooking. It's unhealthy anyway.) When brushing the teeth, turn off faucet when not directly in use. Likewise, when showering; turn off water when shampooing and soaping.

These tips need some organization and self-discipline. Once adapted, they become habits. Remember that saving energy goes together with savings on money, time, water, and other resources. It helps to maintain the ecological system. It aids to sustain people's general wellness. It practices respect, care, planning, and thriftiness.

NOTE: The original shorter version of this essay got Runner Up award in the Flex Your Power Campaign Essay Contest(21 December 2007/San Francisco California)organised and coordinated by New America Media and the Los Angeles Asian Journal.

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